Frequently Ask Questions:

When should I start planning and making a Preparedness Kit?

Start now. Create a Plan. You can make it simple by buying small items every time you go shopping. Watch some of the video's on the parents resource link and click on the plan section. It is easy let's be prepared!

How do I know what happens at my school during an Emergency or  disaster?

Talk to your child's teacher, every school has a plan. Read the information on the "School Preparedness Page".

What can I do?

Know the facts, lead by example get your family prepared and volunteer in your community. Do a Map your neighborhood (MYN) exercise.  Read the preparedness job description and talk to your PTA unit. It is really simple and does not take a lot of time.

• ​​PTSA/PTA Preparedness Job Description
• ​Create a Culture of Emergency Preparedness at Your School

​When it comes to school emergency preparedness, what is the school's responsibility and what is the PTA's ?

When it comes to school emergency preparedness (plans, supplies, training, etc) it is the school that is responsible.

PTA plays a supporting role: We can help the staff/principal with some things, but we are not RESPONSIBLE for school emergency preparedness. For example, the PTA can:

- Help the principal/staff member as they conduct the annual inventory of supplies
- Organize a group of volunteers to observe and help evaluate during drills
- Serve on the school's emergency planning committee to offer a parental perspective and to act as advocates during the planning and review process
- Help arrange funding, via PTA grants, for emergency supplies and equipment
- Remind principals of training opportunities in our community
- Encourage principals to dedicate a non-student day to hands on emergency preparedness training for the staff, and more.

But be mindful of the difference between "can" versus "may." We are able to do these things (we can), but we need permission from the principal, or the staff member in charge of emergency planning for the school, to do so (we may). We need to work closely and respectfully with our school's administrators and their designees. This is true in all aspects of PTA, but especially so with Emergency Preparedness.

Our RESPONSIBILITY comes in our role as advocates for our children's safety. 

​What are Local PTA Emergency and Safety Chairperson responsibilities ?

- Invite a community speaker to a PTA meeting to talk about safety/preparedness

- Advocate for your PTA to allocate funds to grant to the school for the purchase of supplies and equipment

- Participate in Emergency Prep Email Networking Group to receive valuable information

- Educate parents via PTA newsletter, Open House, or Back To School Night opportunities. They should be made aware of district/building emergency procedures/polices, such as mass student release.

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